The annual All-Pro team is considered by many to be a greater recognition than a Pro Bowl berth, because fewer players are selected. The voting is conducted by 50 writers and broadcasters covering the NFL from across the country.

At safety, Seattle's Earl Thomas and Kansas City's Eric Berry were first-teamers, while McCourty was one of six second-teamers.

“You can’t beat that, to be recognized [as a second team All-Pro team selection],” McCourty said in the locker room Friday. “More hard work has to be done for this season, and we will try to put that in now.”